Nate Washington Signs with Patriots

The New England Patriots announced they have signed wide receiver Nate Washington on Thursday. 

ESPN's Field Yates first reported the news. Washington had visited the Patriots on March 14, per Yates.  

"The visit went well. He enjoyed it. A contract offer could come soon. Nate has not ruled out a return to the [Houston] Texans," said Washington's agent, Brian Overstreet, after the visit, per Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston. 

An 11-year receiver, Washington started in all 14 games for the AFC South champion Texans last season. The former Tennessee Titan hauled in 47 catches for 658 yards and four touchdowns in 2015.

The Patriots will be the fourth team in his NFL career. The Pittsburgh Steelers picked him up in 2004 as an undrafted free agent, and he accounted for 1,705 yards and 12 touchdowns in four years as a target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

That production paid off for Washington, as he signed a six-year, $27 million deal with the Titans in March 2009. His best season came in 2011, when he caught a career-high 74 passes for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite the Titans not making the playoffs during Washington's time in Tennessee, the former Tiffin University product was a consistent playmaker.

Although Washington has been a solid player since coming into the league, he hasn't been seen as a No. 1 target on a contending team. However, Washington is a reliable receiver who is efficient on short routes and has the ability to get the ball at its highest point, which is good news for Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com. Follow Danny Webster on Twitter.